Vertu's new luxury smartphone runs Android 6.0

Now’s not a very good time to buy a new smartphone, what with the Galaxy S8 and LG G6 on the horizon. If you were to pick one up, however, you should probably skip Vertu’s new collection.

The luxury brand has unveiled the Constellation, a 5.5-inch Android device that emphasizes style over substance. Running Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow, the device comes encased in a soft leather, which Vertu says is “sourced from a specialist, family-run tannery in Italy.”

The “superior performance technology” Vertu speaks of includes a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4GB of RAM, and support for wireless charging. The device also sports a 12-megapixel camera and a dual SIM slot with support for 34 international bands and protocols.

Spend your money how you please

Vertu’s devices have always been marketed as a luxurious alternative to handsets from Apple, Samsung, and LG. As they say, there’s no accounting for taste.

The company says the Constellation, which will be available next month, also offers Vertu Concierge and Vertu Life, services that include 24-hour worldwide assistance and “introductions to people and places otherwise off-limits.”